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Italy Leads the Continent in Organic Farmland and Producers, Setting the Standard for Sustainable Agriculture
Europe’s appetite for organic food has reached a historic high. According to the “The World of Organic Agriculture 2026” report, presented at Biofach by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in collaboration with IFOAM Organics International, organic food consumption across Europe climbed to €59 billion in 2024. The milestone reflects not only growing consumer awareness but also a structural transformation in European agriculture — one in which Italy stands out as a clear leader.
While overall organic farmland in Europe remained stable at 19.6 million hectares — 18.1 million of which are within the European Union — demand for organic products rose by 4.1% in retail sales. For the first time, consumption growth outpaced the expansion of cultivated land. This shift marks a crucial turning point for the sector, signalling the need to increase productivity while maintaining strict environmental standards.
Amid this continental momentum, Italy has consolidated its position at the forefront of organic agriculture. With 2.5 million hectares dedicated to organic farming, the country ranks among the top three in total area, alongside Spain and France. More impressively, Italy leads the European Union in the share of utilized agricultural land devoted to organic production: over 20%, nearly double the EU average. This achievement is not merely symbolic — it reflects a systemic commitment to sustainability embedded in Italy’s agricultural identity.
Italy’s leadership is equally evident in the number of operators. With more than 87,000 organic producers and processors, the country boasts the largest network of certified organic stakeholders in Europe. This extensive ecosystem strengthens supply chains, fosters innovation, and enhances traceability, ensuring high-quality standards from field to table. The breadth of participation also demonstrates that organic farming in Italy is not a niche experiment but a mainstream agricultural model.
In retail markets, Germany remains Europe’s largest organic market with €17 billion in sales, followed by France and Italy. However, Italy’s performance is particularly significant when viewed in relation to its agricultural structure. Unlike larger economies with extensive industrial-scale operations, Italy’s organic strength lies in a diversified system of small and medium-sized farms, often family-run, that combine tradition with innovation. This model supports rural communities, preserves biodiversity, and promotes landscape conservation — values that resonate strongly with modern consumers.
At a global level, organic agriculture now covers 99 million hectares and generates €145 billion in sales. The United States leads worldwide retail revenues with €60.4 billion, followed by Germany and China. Yet Europe remains the world’s most cohesive and policy-driven organic region, largely thanks to ambitious sustainability frameworks. Within this context, Italy emerges as a strategic pillar of the European green transition.
Maria Grazia Mammuccini, president of FederBio, highlighted the significance of the latest data: for the first time, the growth in consumption has exceeded the expansion of cultivated surfaces. This dynamic presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To meet rising demand without compromising environmental commitments, production capacity must increase in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
European Union strategies aimed at agroecological development, combined with investments in research and innovation, are essential to sustaining this growth. Italy is particularly well positioned to benefit from and contribute to these initiatives. The country has long integrated organic principles into broader sustainability policies, aligning agricultural practices with soil health, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
Moreover, Italy’s global reputation for food excellence provides an additional competitive advantage. Italian organic products are often associated with high quality, authenticity, and strong territorial identity. This synergy between organic certification and the prestige of “Made in Italy” strengthens export potential and reinforces consumer trust both domestically and abroad.
Switzerland records the world’s highest per capita organic consumption at €481 per person, underscoring the strength of European demand. Yet Italy’s achievement goes beyond consumption figures. By dedicating more than one-fifth of its agricultural land to organic farming, the country demonstrates that large-scale ecological transition is not only feasible but economically viable.
As Europe navigates the twin challenges of food security and climate change, Italy’s experience offers a compelling model. Its leadership in organic surfaces and producer networks shows how sustainability can become a structural component of national agricultural strategy. The organic boom sweeping across Europe may be a continental phenomenon, but Italy stands at its vanguard — cultivating not just crops, but a future where productivity, quality, and environmental responsibility grow together.
Alessandro Fiorentino